Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition (HDCCC) has become a registered charity, which it says will help its aim of tackling climate change locally.
The group was initially set up by Harrogate Borough Council to bring together business, local government and the voluntary sector. In February, its members voted to become an independent organisation from the council.
The coalition has had a bumpy first couple of years. In February, Pat Marsh, the leader of Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats, resigned saying the group had been ‘plagued by inaction’.
The aim of the coalition is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to improve local resilience to the effects of climate change such as flooding.
With charitable status, HDCCC said in a statement, puts it in a strong position to “accelerate action and increase its local impact”.
Last month, the coalition organised Harrogate’s first ‘Climate Action Festival’, which included a business conference at Harrogate Convention Centre.
Professor Neil Coles, HDCCC chair and environment scientist from the University of Leeds, said:
“Becoming a charity establishes the coalition as a fully independent body which can both raise awareness of solutions with the public, and also connect behind the scenes with regional and national leaders in order to bring about change that will reduce the burden of action for the greatest number.”
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12 charitable trustees have been appointed who all have influence in sectors such as transport, buildings and local policy.
The trustees are: Alec Walton (Green Jumper), Alex Hornby (Harrogate Bus Company), Chris Arnott (FM-MS), Danny Wild (Harrogate College), Jemima Parker (Zero Carbon Harrogate), Mike Kaye (Energy Oasis), Professor Neil Coles (Chair), Cllr Phil Ireland (Vice Chair), Wallace Sampson (Harrogate Borough Council).
Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition has voted to become an independent organisation from Harrogate Borough Council.
HDCCC was set up by the council over a year ago to bring together local government, green groups and businesses.
However, since its formation the coalition has faced criticism from members for a perceived slow progress in tackling climate change.
Last night, local Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Pat Marsh resigned from the group accusing it of being “plagued by inaction”.
In July last year environmental campaigner, Malcolm Margolis, also resigned citing a “lack of action”.
Kirsty Hallett, communications lead for HDCCC, declined to comment on Cllr Marsh’s resignation but said the group’s new structure will help it achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions in the district.
She said HDCCC could decide to become a Community Interest Company or a Charitable Incorporated Organisation which could open up new funding opportunities.
Ms Hallett said:
“Whatever is decided, the intention will be to form a structure which has a legal status independent of HBC and as such is able to seek funding to increase the scope of our activity. However, whatever structure is decided upon, it is clear that HDCCC will continue to work closely with local businesses, HBC, NYCC and other policy makers, as all organisations need to collaborate to ensure a net zero future for our district.”
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HDCCC also announced that Professor Neil Coles from the University of Leeds has been appointed its new chair, replacing Cllr Phil Ireland.
The group hopes the environment and sustainability specialist will be able to build on relationships with rural businesses, farmers and others who are developing natural climate solutions.
Cllr Ireland added:
“We welcome Professor Neil Coles as the new chair of Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition. These are exciting times for the coalition as we embrace a new governance model. This positive move towards having the coalition chaired independently from the council will secure wider buy-in and open up funding opportunities.”